When the ArtsRevive dream started in the nineties, it did so without a home to operate from.

Now, the Carneal ArtsRevive Building ribbon cutting officially signals the opening of the new home for the non-profit organization.

“We always knew we needed a home,” Fran Pearce, president of ArtsRevive said. “Then this opportunity came about and I called Kay Phillips and talked about what we could do to buy this.”

With limited funds, the organization depended on some help from Phillips.

“We were thrilled when she agreed to work with us,” Pearce said. “It was awesome that we were able to purchase this building.

I think it had a lot to do with her knowing that we didn’t want to completely change the building, but instead keep its historic value.”

It’s that kind of focus on historic integrity that ArtsRevive believes can bring a change in Selma’s Economy.

“It’s called Art Economic Development,” Pearce said. “Want we want to do is keep Selma’s historic buildings and give them new life. The arts can bring young people to any city. That’s a great way to garner business.”

Once the building was purchased volunteers came in to overhaul the building and give it new life.

“We really had help from all over,” Pearce said. “Lots of volunteers and just a lot of dedication.”

Chamber of Commerce director Sheryl Smedley echoed Pierce’s beliefs on making a brining restoration to Selma.

“That’s the whole key to turning this thing around,” Smedley said. “It’s not going to be an Applebee’s or something like that. It’s people investing their time and their efforts.”